Gary's Book

Gary's Book

WINNING

From Walk-On To Captainin Football and Life

Gary's Impact Foundation

Gary Brackett's Impact Foundation is a bona fide 501 c 3 organization headquartered in Indianapolis, IN. We transform lives through our four-pillar program (Impact Ready, Impact Works, TendHER Heart, and Gary's Locker). Our transformational and high impact programs are provided free of charge to youth and families across Central Indiana. We are able to provide our life-changing work at no cost to underserved individuals thanks to big-hearted people like YOU! Thank you for supporting the Impact Foundation! Here are ways you can continue to help us make an IMPACT!

Financial Contribution - donations made with cash, check, or credit card are fully tax deductible to the extent allowed by law and truly make an impact. For example, a donation of $35 assists one underserved youth in developing the skills necessary to enter and remain in the workforce. A gift of $250 stocks one locker at a local hospital to ensure that sick children and their siblings can experience a sense of normalcy as they confront disease and illness.

In-Kind Contribution - donations of toys, game boys, books, puzzles, and other items that would help a sick child or their sibling feel like a kid while in the hospital. All items must be new and in their original packages. We also welcome in-kind donations of pamper services for mothers at our TendHer Heart annual luncheon and education program.

For More information on how to make a contribution of time, treasure, or talent, please contact Kathleen Spears at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Our Mission

Impact Ready

This program works with organizations such as local YMCAs, Indiana Black Expo, Urban League, churches, and other community- based agencies to offer a comprehensive training for youth ages 14 – 24 years old that focuses on etiquette, interview skills, resume building, and employment communication. These skills are mandatory to ensure that our underserved youth are ready to enter and successfully remain in the work force and participate in life-long self-sufficiency.

Impact Works

Brackett Restaurant Group works with the Impact Foundation to provide summertime employment for dozens of low-income youth. This program is aimed at readying these youth for life-long employment and teaching them skills in the field of hospitality. Youth also have an opportunity to earn income along the way.

TendHer Heart

The TendHER Heart Luncheon is hosted each year to honor mothers of chronically and critically ill children for the sacrifices they make in caring for their ill child. The brunch provides these women with the opportunity to "take a minute" for themselves and enjoy each other's company and support. The mothers are served gourmet breakfast and lunch dishes and are sent home with a few special treats to enjoy.

Gary's Locker

Gary's Locker provides patients and their family’s access to computers, movies and video game systems to occupy their time during their hospital stay. In Spring 2007, the first locker was placed in the Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases at Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St. Vincent. In December of 2009, the third locker was launched at Riley Hospital for Children. This locker alone impacts the lives of 150,000 people per year.

From Walk-On to Captain inFootball and Life.

Professional Football Player for the Indianapolis Colts. Captain & Superbowl Champion.